Young Dancers Enchant as 'Bugs' in City Ballet's 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'

In the enchanting world of George Balanchine’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' Oberon, the Fairy King, and his radiant Queen, Titania, share the stage with Puck, a mischievous sprite whose magical antics blur the lines between mortals and immortals, all caught in the timeless quest for love.

Yet, amid these mythological figures, it is the youngest performers—known affectionately as the 'Bugs'—who truly command attention in this fantastical setting.

These spirited young dancers, hailing from the School of American Ballet, form the heart of the New York City Ballet’s rendition. Officially cast as Fairies and Butterflies, these children are informally dubbed 'Bugs' within the company and its training school—a nickname that, while less majestic, captures their endearing energy.

The Bugs are a lively group of agile dancers, typically between 10 and 12 years old, who dart across the stage’s forest backdrop with gleaming wings under the moonlight. This small yet dynamic ensemble was described by Lincoln Kirstein, co-founder of the school and company, as a 'wholly unsentimental deployment.'

Balanchine’s choreography draws heavily from Felix Mendelssohn’s overture and incidental music for Shakespeare’s play, supplemented by additional compositions, rather than the text of the comedy itself. Mendelssohn’s sweeping score provides the young dancers with an invigorating rhythm that propels their movements.

The music fuels their energy, giving life to their fluttering wings and lively steps.

Eleven-year-old Naomi Uetani expressed the magical transformation that comes with performing: 'You’re no longer just walking down the street,' she said with an infectious smile. 'I’m in a magical place. I understand the feeling—it’s different from, say, the Nutcracker’s candy land. This is something else entirely.'